Posts Tagged ‘NGO’

Among 3 Ps in every organization – People, Profit and Planet, we at Y4PT have been focusing majorly on 2 Ps since our inception. PLANETand PEOPLE are at the core of this organization. We are a group of young people believing in new ideas and technology, agile ways of contributing towards making our planet “A better place to live” rather now, we “SuRvIVe”.

In UITP Global Summit- 2017, Montreal’s Mayor Denis Coderre summarized human dimension in a sentence of particular meaning nowadays: ‘In Canada, we build bridges, not walls’. I’m certainly in an agreement with you sir. We acknowledge the collaboration required by all countries in making our lives better. But how about border lines we draw even for young people who want to contribute in a change/Transition to lead further in continuing our legacy. How about those pseudo norms we generate and those stereotype approach without understanding the core motive of their travel.

Here we go!! We had a very bad news for few of the protagonist at Y4PT in both months ( April and May’2017) who have been marvelously engaged in all the activities of Y4PT since years. Those representatives were also a part of UN conference speaking on behalf of their countries and creating huge talent pool for Y4PT’s further initiatives. Are you wondering what?? Yes, these individuals were not provided a visa to enter Canada. What a shock!! On the other hand the entire reworking is required at Y4PT Hackathon because we at Y4PT is now supposed to shift their responsibilities to other individuals “who could make it to Canada” In short, a quick damage control was required.

An astonishing fact!! These youth were still with all the enthusiasm and remained at their best, supported us virtually. They were tweeting voraciously, posting on social media, likes, shares, blogs, tag the decision makers in the tweets, voicing the unity and spirit of Y4PT throughout the Hackathon till the winners were declared in closing ceremony of UITP Global Summit. Ultimately it was very exciting and painful at times for not having these young people around but their presence remained throughout the event.

We have always realized Y4PT is all about bringing positive energy and likeminded individuals working together for a cause. How can we stay immune now? We urge the authorities to remain supportive and understand the cause before they reject such individuals. “Processes are good” but they need to be human friendly. Processes can’t remain at someone’s behest.

Yet we thank for all the recognition and support Y4PT has received. The impeccable response from participants at Montreal gives us courage and confidence, to build ideas and make this world “a better place to live”. Y4PT thank all the youth participants and invite more youth power to join this cause.

“The truth of a thing is in the feel of it, not the think of it.” Stanley Kubrick

Y4PT

While life is developing itself more and more in vertical urban environments, the incredible Youth of the World is manifesting its talents even more horizontally.
Give some Teams a believe and an issue to solve, and everyone will work together, forgetting their religious beliefs and cultural differences and united in the effort.
Then, bring them again to the real world and the divisions will reapply…why?
Because it seems we have to live in a world who thought us to be divided: everyone on its own to perform better than the other ones, to compete and gain more power and money.
Differences were born with the first shells utilized as money ‘exchanges…and voilà, game over, or to better say, let’s start the game!
What we have tried to create at Y4PT, and continuously trying to do, is to generate new spaces and new perspectives, new friendships, were the boundaries are useless.
Bringing back to life the incredible hope that only humanity coming from the inside deep hearts is able to bring to a divided actual scenario.
We are accomplishing, with the help of true helpers, passionate and competent people, what makes us feel alive: we are feeding a static world, centred on power and money making, with stories and ideas bringing harmony and feeling of belonging.
We are enhancing the beauty of souls and wisdoms, all through a long path lasting now since 12 years. All trying to understand why we are on this planet, on this Universe, to understand human history, attitudes and activities, to possibly generate guidance and novelties; to make our human society being again in harmony with the planet that hosts us, bringing joy at the same in the communities we form.

Our special hackathon

Through 1 year full of thousands of e-mails, we were able to create a connection based on positivity, energy, will to work, and compete for Humanity with a common goal.
We started with lot of no and denials, and just our firm will to make it happened, opened the door of a random basis’ selection. Like a domino effect cascade, it involved and generated a will of being part of something huge, that later on reflected the variety of the 22 cities and 37 nationalities involved. Operators, Universities, Authorities, that , after engaging through thousand e-mails exchanges, were feeling committed to something at the beginning they didn’t know how it revealed itself.
After 18 months of bubbling cities and groups generating ideas, we finally all met in Montreal, like if we knew each other since the Age of Time: hugging each other with the news and jumping of joy to meet again with the core old group. Every time is a miracle. We stay connected.

When we meet we are all just breathing together, naturally: just humans.

I’d love to say a few words and name each of you that shared those moments with me: I will forget some so, please forgive me if I do not name all!!

Beibut, putting aside his country idea to develop on his own the project he won with, opening himself to a bigger adventure. Massimo, the kindest, who made his abilities appear so normal. Emma, determined to push here boundaries and fight to advance her Nation. Kim so young and pushy, driven by a “bigger than her” adventure under the guidance of Mark, so deeply appreciative and collaborative. Thomas, a revelation, with a special communication ability, pure eyes and smile that will make people feeling happy and doors easily opening. Julius, such a loving kind and humble young man, while his mind, absolutely a strong one, proudly representing his country. Maria, a bubbling woman with a brilliant mind, a nanotech engineer, who said a scientist cannot be feminine? Igor, the purest mind’s reader that just through emails was connecting and caring for people. Pablo, the shy guy, not yet realizing to be on board of this big adventure.

Yes, an adventure: every Y4PT encounter is a true surprise, as we do not know how energies and minds will combine.

Gustavo and his brother, appreciating every moment of this connection with sparkling eyes, storing every fact and every memory inside his brain to bring it back to his family and life. Marco, the real prototype of the inventor, a deep loving person with a true committed life and believe in humanity. Ignacio, the grateful, learning every step ahead, who, working hard for his passion is building step by step his new reality. Juan Sebastian, faithful to his country’ image, learning to study and live in a country so different from his one. Under his “cover” of silent guy, a wonderful heart and laughing soul. Thomas from Chile, a mix of cultures showed through its entire figure , making committed efforts to work for the Team and opening to the world. Max, the real representative of his country, making smiles happening on his face everyday a bit more.

Fidel, the gentle inscrutable with a giant heart bringing back memories and learnings, always available to listen and give his presence. André, with his contagious enthusiasm and ability to push his boundaries. Eloi, the real geek with millions of ideas in a bubbling mind. Charles, the silent, absorbing and observing, without still believing what was happening through his life! Saeed, the practical one, able to spot the best things and moves with a real chess mind and eyes. Dejan, the “already formed and fitted” guy, so happy to show his abilities but at the same time discovering a place with no pushing competition. Bruno, the humble, introverted that when rightly solicited expressed a real knowledge and commitment.A straightforward Johnathan with his smile and energy…

Many others were there, many others memories of mine to form layers of humanity, all lasting in my mind.

And add to them the great team of passionate “gurus”, mentors, guides, supporters and friends!

Mercedes, finally able to free her mind from job’s clichés, a reserved Lady with a great understanding of the Field.
Laura, a true enthusiastic being, finally living a complete experience where her artistic, spiritual, mentoring, communication abilities and beliefs were all together in one place.
Sam, able to combine his Transport knowledge with his innovative and driven passion, in a tight schedule where everything was respected, fitting and finding the right place. Able to keep on track for long lasting nights and days!
René, a curious discoverer, full of light and true enthusiasm, combined with a lot of knowledge.

Guys, what a human experience was this one!! Such a beautiful journey we had!!

Rafael , the calmer , the observer, the actor who holds things together, able to spot every microgram of a possible problem, anticipating every move to untie the knots.

Yasmina, which I connected through a receiving energy moment, that got finally back positivity and energy from the experience; and so committed that she worked hard to refill the batteries of everyone because of this superior commitment she felt, and that we all had in that special place.

Friends, my words are reductive, especially because I do not use my language to express all these feelings, but,when people like to connect, only good things and energy can circulate in a space that is at a time physical and not.

And this is exactly what happened: without knowing: every piece of the puzzle was falling in the right space. Everything became possible and doable. You, as pillars, were supporting one each other and a fluid chain of love was forming.

Ideas were taking shape, shaped by an over dimensional energy, love was circulating and hugs were becoming the simplest and easiest form of communication, accompanied by continuous bright smiles enlightening everyone faces, also on the most reluctant ones, per culture and tradition. I saw the best tentative smiles from the more no used to, countries’ representatives.

Gratitude and joy were the most frequent feelings showed by words and eyes, while a high tech world of abilities was concentrating there…

Imagine how people could generate more, if only able to work and create in a positive energy environment.

And this is our Mission, yours now too! For everyone that experienced an event like this one , to continue to bring forward, despite all evil, all greed , all jealousy, all sadness, all negativity, all difficulties, this sane spirit.

The spirit of true togetherness to create advancements in a broken society.

Thanks to all of you, who, as simply spirits, despite preformatted education, you were able to be coherent with your deep self and connect , with no boundaries, with other people.

This is the believe we should all go through, the believe in humanity.

Something more than an hackathon

Learn through love and through passion, to unite universes that were thought irreconcilable, finding out, that, all over the world young talented minds are living to put the basis of an already present tomorrow which we can spot among today reality.

Discretely, humbly. And if we can spot them and bring them all together, all these lights will join in a no barrier present future.

With this “more than a hackathon”, we broke stereotypes and conventions overcoming our limitations.

We showed the world that events like these can be different, it all depends on the ability of showing more feelings and true love.

You all made real friendship through a series of unplanned connectivity in a soul and human value’s environment: we didn’t only innovate, we enjoyed innovating.

Big brands and advertising Mantras affect the world, and Y4PT is willing to show that there is more to it.

From gambling to shopping, social media or booze, we are becoming addicts: our fast paced societies are taking us away from the truth. We have so much stuff and wealth, so many gadgets and choices, but, is any of it making us happier? Does they fulfil us at a deeper level?

I’ve learned the hard way that the only way out is to look within.

Did you already said I believe? Did you already feel that energy that is making you find more energy also when you do not have more? As you see concretely under your eyes that things are changing, also if it is happening slowly? And that you contribute to the positive change of this world? That you have an influence?

Well, this is exactly what we all were, together in Montreal, and where we will stand together, for the future, also in the worst eventuality of not meeting physically again anywhere else in the world.

Because once experienced , you become addicted to Y4PT! ‘Cause we believe in YOU’th!

A giant hug to all!

Alessandra

PS No words are needed to indicate the trust, the beliefs and the long lasting endurance of my closest collaborators, co-founders Alfredo Barba and Sebastian Pernet and the Y4PT Chapters and ex chapters, friends from India, Nepal, Colombia and Pakistan , Italy, Nabeel Faraz, Juju Kaji, Daniel Perez, Muhammad Junaid Mandoori, Lorenzo Casullo, that relentless are working in their countries and at different international level to make a real transformation and create positivity all around them. Without you and your strength, this transformation wouldn’t have been possible.

Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) (Milan, Italy), is Y4PT’s newly acquired Honorary Founding Member: since last year this active Company has decided to support and sustain the activities of our volunteer NGO, firstly in Milan, during the UITP World Congress and Exhibition that took place in June 2015 and now all the way through Montreal 2017, where the UITP World Transport Summit will take place.

The FNM Group: its main mission is transport

FNM is the main transport and mobility group in Lombardy. It is the largest private Italian operator in this sector. Its mission is to meet communication and mobility requirements of individuals and companies and to take up the challenge of “moving” people, goods and information. In fact, the Group has broadened and diversified the scope of its activities on other markets, including ICT, energy and sustainable mobility.

Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) was created in 1877 to build and operate the railway lines in the Lombardy region. The railway network was developed in the North-West of Lombardy to connect the city of Milan with the towns of Novara, Varese, Laveno, Como and Erba-Asso, by expanding the existing lines and acquiring additional lines.

In May 2011, Trenitalia-LeNORD become Trenord. Joint alliance between Trenitalia and FNM Group was born in Lombardy the first and largest Italian operator specializing in regional public transport by rail.

Trenord is so, the result of an integration with FNM, with over 130 years of local presence and an entrepreneurial tradition which provided a solid economic and financial position, and the largest national operator, FS, of known technological skills and operational. This will certainly allow the new company to consolidate in Lombardy the best experiences and become an actor of reference in the European scenario.

While remaining faithful and consistent to its original mission related to the railway transport field, in the last few years, FNM has been diversifying its areas of operations. In fact, a transformation process was launched to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the liberalization of the public services sector, which is gradually developing increasing, and to expand its scope and activities on the national and international market.

Is exactly in this optic that FNM had manifested various time the will to support Y4PT, not only as a Honorary Founding Member, but also in creating new innovative initiatives and supporting the ideas of visionary young people to be applied in their field of reference:

FNM philosophy with Y4PT, is the one to “YOUTHLY move” people, assets and information thus meeting new mobility and communication requirements for individuals and businesses.

While FNM has been historically linked to the development of the rail system in Lombardy, after the liberalization of public services, it has diversified and expanded its activities on the national and on the European Market.

FNM operates the passenger transport system for the regional and metropolitan areas of Milan, the connection to the Malpensa airport, and freight transport in Italy and in Europe; moreover, it operates and develops its own railway network, as well as networks and services in the fields of energy, telecommunications and sustainable mobility.

We had a nice talk after the UITP World Congress and Exhibition – Milan 2015, with Mr. Andrea GIBELLI, actual President of FNM, with their communication officers and public relations responsible person on the future of activities to be developed thanks to FNM in the forecast of our future 2016-2017 activities.

Mr. GIBELLI, graduated in Architecture at the Polytechnic of Milan, has been Secretary-General of the Council of the Lombardy Region and Director-General of the Presidency from March 2013 to May 2015, and vice president of the Lombardy Region from 2010 to 2013. Member of Parliament 2001-2010 and 1994-1996, he was a member of the Commission for Transport and Telecommunications, the General Affairs Committee and the Industry. He was a member of the board of Cogeme Spa and FNMA Spa.

Cogeme is a holding company wholly owned by the municipality, one of the first in Italy, and operates in the field of public utilities. Thanks to the establishment of LGH, along with other public companies, Cogeme offers a competitive range of services (gas, electricity, water, telecommunications, waste), while maintaining a strong local roots.

FNMA Spa active on the market on the field of tourism-social’s private transport sector, operates using 32 rental licenses, some of which are intended to vehicles equipped to transport disabled travelers.

Transaid is an international development charity. They identify, champion, implement and share local transport solutions to improve access to basic services and economic opportunity for people in Africa and in developing countries. Transaid was founded by Save the Children and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and our Patron is HRH The Princess Royal.

Charitable volunteers from across the transport industry cycled to Brussels at the weekend, in a bid to raise £75,000 for Transaid.

The 34-strong team had already raised £45,000 by the time they set off on the 340km ride on the 12 September and are confident of reaching their fundraising target once the remaining sponsorship money is collected.

Riders set off from the Freight Transport Association’s head office in Tunbridge Wells and headed for Dover where they caught the ferry to Calais. Their adventure continued through France where even the most experienced cyclists were challenged by a very strong head wind. The group celebrated the end of this particularly difficult day in Bruges where they enjoyed a well-earned break and glass of beer, completing the final 74 miles to Brussels on September 14, finishing at the city’s iconic Grand Place.

Upon arrival the cyclists were greeted by a party from Y4PT and UITP, where we put on a champagne and chocolate reception. We have been very happy to give them a moment of reward and fun after such a challenge and great action!

Sir Peter Hendy, a new Trustee!

Transaid appointed recently four new trustees with a wealth of experience in the health, transport and logistics sectors to help govern the charity as it continues to grow in size and scope.

One of them is Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Commissioner of Transport for London and our UITP President.

Speaking on behalf of the trustees, Sir Peter, said “It’s a privilege to be involved with an organisation which implements truly life-changing solutions in developing countries.”

Sir Peter started his transport career in 1975 as a London Transport graduate trainee. In 2001 he served as Transport for London’s Managing Director of Surface Transport, before taking on his current role in 2006. Sir Peter was instrumental in preparing for the successful operation of London’s transport during the 2012 Olympics and was elected President of the International Public Transport Association in 2013. He was knighted in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list, having been awarded a CBE in 2006.

The first Transaid was established within Save the Children (UK) as a voluntary group of transport industry individuals. Peter Linney, who had just retired from a senior position in British Rail, took up the day to day management of Transaid. The British Railways Board provided office space and administrative support. Over the next 10 years, Transaid volunteers, from organisations such as TNT, P&O and the British Army, carried out a number of short-term projects. In those days, the focus was largely on emergency operations, rather than long-term development, and projects included a review of the potential to handle containerised emergency supplies through Mozambique ports and the specifications for an emergency ambulance service in Swaziland. The transport management handbook for Save The Children was also written.

Thinking long-term

In the early 1990’s the founders began to think about the role of transport in development, and particularly how lack of transport impacted on the delivery of essential services such as health and education. Research with the Ministry of Health in Ghana led to the realization that a lack of management skills, rather than a lack of transport, was causing a bottleneck in the delivery of everyday health services.

A two-year Save the Children project started in the Ministry of Health in Ghana in early 1993. This was the first long-term programme of its kind by Transaid and marked a shift in focus towards sustainable development.

The future

Transaid is now beginning to focus more intensively on livelihoods work, based on the knowledge that Africa needs an efficiently run transport system in order to provide better opportunities to trade and make a living. Improving the efficiency, safety, availability and professionalism of commercial transport will create work opportunities in the industry, reduce transport costs, open up trade and make basic goods and services more available and affordable.

This is what is meant by sustainable development, looking at the root causes of problems and building the skills and knowledge of local people to tackle them. It isn’t quick and it isn’t easy, but we believe it is the only way we will make a lasting difference.

However, the amount of high profile natural disasters in recent years has brought attention back to the relationship between logistics and emergency aid and Transaid has played an advisory role in the development of two new, humanitarian initiatives – the development of the new Fritz Institute Certificate in Humanitarian Logistics and providing advice to the new CILT Humanitarian Logistics and Emergency Programme (HELP).

One thing which remains unchanged is transport’s importance to the health and wealth of all nations. Trucks, trains and ships are so highly visible on the world’s roads, railways and seas, but the essential goods and services that they carry, and the millions of people who work behind the scenes to get them where they need to go, remain largely invisible and forgotten.

Transaid has been built on the knowledge that skilled people make transport work. It’s up to us to find ways to build those skills where they’ll make the most difference and to continue to harness the skills of the best in the transport industry.

[…] provide you with detailed information about this amazing event. Our voice will be heard at the 4th Y4PT World Youth Meeting (Y4PT Dubai 2014) during the 2014 UITP MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition in Dubai and everywhere in the […]

Y4PT Foundation sincerely thanks the Roads and Transport Authority of the Emirate of Dubai (RTA Dubai) and Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) S.p.A. and all other donors after their generosity to sustain its activities for contributing to the advancement of humankind and environment towards sustainability.

Youth For Public Transport (Y4PT) - www.y4pt.org - is a Belgium-based international youth-led pro-sustainable-mobility non-profit non-governmental organization (iNGO) created by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) - www.uitp.org - acting as its "Parent Organization" and sustained by the Roads and Transport Authority of the Emirate of Dubai (RTA Dubai) and Ferrovie Nord Milano (FNM) S.p.A. - www.fnmgroup.it - acting as its "Honorary Founding Members".

Y4PT is officially incorporated (registered) as a legal person in accordance with the Law of the Kingdom of Belgium.